nex^us

multy award winning

EXPERIMENTAL SHORT

Music and film production by Eva Ludwig

SYNOPSIS

The nex tribe is shocked: During a solemn ceremony for their embodied guardian spirit, nex^us, she is kidnapped by dark forces. For them, nex^us symbolizes the unity of man and nature. During the abduction, her magical forehead mark breaks. This has an impact on the whole world. As a result, people's empathy for one another dwindles, with devastating consequences for humanity and nature. Is the world doomed, or can it be saved through a collective effort?

what the jury said

+++  The concept of nex^us is both captivating and thought-provoking. The depiction of an ethnic tribe's celebration disrupted by the abduction of a symbolic figure and the subsequent consequences on human empathy and the natural world presents a rich narrative that resonates with contemporary themes. We are particularly intrigued by the way your film explores the delicate balance between unity, empathy, and the environment, and the idea that hope can only be restored when people come together for a common cause.

+++  Your work is a testament to the power of animation and experimental filmmaking in conveying complex, timely messages.

+++ nex^us engaged and inspired our international audience, sparking important conversations and reflections.

+++  The concept of exploring empathy, unity, and their profound impact on the world through such a visually captivating narrative is both thought-provoking and timely.

+++  Our festival celebrates creativity and innovation and we are honored to have your work to be a part of our festival. 

+++  Eva transcends the experimental genre with this magnificent animation about dance and rituals. Featuring unique animated designs and a visual beauty that leaves us breathless! The perfect color scheme evokes many extra sensations in viewers. And the script is super dynamic and engaging. This is a true work of animated art! Brilliant!

Winner Bangkok Movie Awards, Thailand

Semi-Finalist Luleå International Film Festival, Sweden

Winner Nexus International Film Festival, California

Winner Big Ben International Film Festival, United Kingdom

Nominee Cinematography & Photography Awards, United Kingdom

Winner Singapore Independent Film Fair, Singapore

Winner Phuket International Film Festival, Thailand

Winner Swedish Academy of Motion Picture Awards, Sweden

Outstanding Achievement Award  Calcutta Film Competition, India

Outstanding Achievement Award Sterling International Cine Carnival, London

Honorable Mention Award Paramount Cine Carnival, New York

WINNER Experimental Film Festival, Barcelona

Director Statement
Eva Ludwig - Director's Statement

The challenges facing humanity as a whole seem to grow from year to year. Global wars and crises, natural disasters and increasing violence, especially against women, can be observed in many parts of the world. Crime is on the rise, conflicts are escalating everywhere. Hope is hard to find. It almost seems as if many people have lost their ability to empathize - both with other people and with nature.

With this experimental short I want to draw attention to the fact that we can only solve the world's problems together and that we as human beings are obliged to live humanity and to give empathy a meaning again.

STILLS